Cowboys waive former Kentucky offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete

The Dallas Cowboys have waived former Kentucky offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete, a transaction that marks another stop-and-start moment for a player trying to carve out a long-term NFL role. The move was reported by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and circulated by Yahoo Sports on August 31, 2026.

Pete’s path drew attention beyond the typical college-to-pro pipeline. He was described in the report as the first Navajo player to sign an NFL contract. That distinction matters in a league that still has limited representation from Native American communities at the highest level, and it has often shaped the way Pete’s pro prospects have been discussed since he entered the professional ranks.

At Kentucky, Pete built his resume as an offensive line prospect, gaining experience in a system that emphasizes pass protection fundamentals and run-game toughness. Even without the specifics of his NFL preseason usage in the report, the waiver itself indicates that the Cowboys chose other options as they worked through roster decisions.

For Dallas, a waiver is not uncommon during the final phases of roster building, especially when teams are balancing veteran experience, developmental depth, and positional versatility along the offensive front. Offensive line jobs tend to be narrow, and coaches typically look for players who can handle both the physical demands of the position and the detailed footwork and technique that an NFL scheme requires week to week.

The Cowboys’ decision also reflects the broader reality that signing and making a roster are separate hurdles. Many players who earn an opportunity in the NFL still face a steep evaluation curve, and even strong college production does not guarantee a long-term spot when competition intensifies at the professional level.

What to watch next is whether Pete clears waivers or is claimed by another team, because the waiver process is often where opportunities can reappear quickly for players with the right athletic profile and fit. If he returns to action with another organization’s offseason plan, his next chance may come through a different roster construction strategy, whether that is camp depth, practice-squad development, or a new look at his strengths on the line.